3.  Jesus is the Son of Man, who can heal and forgive, igniting accusations (2:1-12).  Pharisees criticize Jesus for eating with sinners (2:13-17).  Conflict over the question of fasting is a test of Jesus (2:18-22).  Jews attempt to charge Jesus with sin for associating with disciples who supposedly violated the Sabbath (2:23-28).

4.  A healing on a Sabbath angers Pharisees so that they plot to destroy Jesus (3:1-6).  Multitudes from everywhere still seek out Jesus (3:7-12).  Jesus chose 12 apostles (3:12-19).  Criticism keeps coming: › From family (3:20-21)? › From scribes (3:22-30)?  Jesus came to build a family (3:31-35).

5.  Parable of a sower and soils (4:1-9). › Purpose of parables (4:10-12). › Its explanation helps serve as model for other parables (4:13-20).  Parable of a lamp and a basket (4:21-25).  Parable of the harvest (4:26-29).  Parable of a mustard seed (4:30-34).

6.  A storm on the Sea of Galilee serves to challenge disciples to meditate on the true identity of Jesus (4:35-41).

7.  Controversy began to unfold as Jesus boldly revealed who He is (Mark 2:1 – 3:35).  Parables of Jesus amplified the Jews’ hardness of heart during growing conflict (Mark 4:1-34).  Who is this man with such great power (Mark 4:35-41)?